Gear Of The Year: The Ultimate Buyer's Guide

Let's face it -- without our gear, many of us would be hopelessly lost.

Imagine, for a moment, trying to find something without your smartphone's help. Or an hour-long commute without your headphones. Or even a jogging session in a pair of old dress shoes rather than a new, foot-friendly pair of runners.

Whether it's helping you put your best foot forward, keeping your health on track, capturing your life's greatest moments, providing you with endless hours of entertainment, or acting as your virtual personal assistant, your gear can be so much more than just "stuff."

However, not every piece of gear is created equal. In today’s fast-paced market, where it feels like there's a new must-have gizmo or gadget appearing on the scene every week, it can be hard to decipher which pieces are actually worth your time and money.

To ensure you're getting gear that really does enhance your every day, we've compiled a list of some of our favorite items on the market. Our product selection was carefully curated based on our editorial insights, extensive research and expert reviews from leading tech resources like PCMag. While the majority of these items were released in 2017, we included a few favorites from recent years that still deserve a spot at the top.

From $24 to $2,196, these are our 50 favorite products right now. Meet the AskMen Gear Of The Year.

Note: If you like to start big and work your way down, click on one of the shortcuts below!

Expense Meter: Steal

S'well Traveler

Water Bottle

We all fell in love with S’well water bottles for their ability to keep cold drinks at icy temperatures for 24 hours and hot beverages steamy for 12. The only downside is that the bottle can get heavy to hold in your bag while out running errands or keeping on hand during travels. Enter the S’well Traveler. This petite bottle features all the durability and insulation features of the original S'well, but its small size makes it a convenient option to keep on hand throughout the day. S’well bottles also contribute to UNICEF USA, American Forests, Drink Up, BCRF and (RED), so you can hydrate and give back.

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MeUndies Subscription

Underwear Subscription

Shopping in a busy department store is the worst. And when you’re in need of new boxer briefs or shorts, there’s nothing quite as annoying as spending your precious lunch break battling crowds for undergarments. To the rescue of your ego and pride is this monthly subscription that delivers soft, durable, and stylish underwear to your door. Win-win!

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MyPakage Weekend Boxer Brief

Boxer

Has your girlfriend raised her eyebrows at your -- ahem -- package more times than you can count? And no, we don’t mean like that -- but in disapproval of your underwear. Especially if you haven’t replaced your collection in more than a year, these boxer briefs are the perfect way to begin restocking. Featuring a three-dimensional pouch for support (and to keep you from having to awkwardly readjust) and made of 95 percent modal, you’ll enjoy the structure, stretch, and softness of the Weekend boxer brief.

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Anker PowerCore 10000

Portable Charger

There’s nothing worse than having your phone die when you don’t have access to an outlet. Not only is it inconvenient, but it can also be dangerous when you’re in a situation where you need to contact people. And while there’s no perfect solution, the Anker PowerCore 10000 is about as close as you’ll get. This portable charger is compatible with most devices and can charge up to 80 percent in just 35 minutes. In addition, it can charge a single device multiple times before needing to be refueled. The small nature of this gadget makes it easy to slip into your briefcase or pocket for convenient use.

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Bespoke Post Boxes

Subscription Box

Interested in discovering new products and brands -- from liquor and ties to kitchenwares and more -- but don’t have the time (or energy) to source them yourself? No sweat, bro. With this monthly subscription, you’ll receive a curated box of surprises. Each monthly box features a brand new mix of products so you can expect to find a variety of items to fit the many facets of your life. Past collections have included whisky, knives, shaving cream, coffee, and more.

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Google Home Mini

Smart Speaker

If you’ve been wary about getting a smart home device, the Google Home Mini is the perfect gateway gadget to a 21st-century connected home. It’s a little larger than a hockey puck and more budget-friendly than competing options. The Mini is more than a voice-activated weather and traffic-status gadget; it’s integrated with more than 1,000 devices like Nest Thermostat and WeMo smart plugs. Forget having to find the remote. Since the Mini works seamlessly with Chromecast, you can pull up Netflix, stream YouTube videos or launch a movie from the GooglePlay store effortlessly. Lastly, it's a tiny-but-mighty Bluetooth speaker to pump you up for the day or set the mood for a cozy evening at home.

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Light Therapy Acne Mask

Skincare Mask

Few things kill a man’s confidence more than facial acne. From the moment you walk into a room, you feel as if all eyes are on your skin. Thankfully, there are some new advanced technologies that can help you get clearer skin without expensive visits to the dermatologist. The Light Therapy Acne Mask from Neutrogena is one of the best products on the market. It uses safe, proprietary technology to treat those pimples and zits in as little as 10 minutes per day. According to a 12-week clinical study, 98 percent of users experience fewer breakouts with regular use.

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Harry's Subscription

Grooming Subscription

Shaving is something every man has to do, but few do it correctly. In fact, it’s a pretty big chore for those who are required by their employers to have a clean-shaven face Monday to Friday. Thankfully, there are shaving tools besides the drugstore razors that are either cheap and flimsy or expensive and difficult to maintain. With Harry’s subscription shave plan, you get quality razors delivered to your doorstep at less than $2 per blade. Not only is this convenient, but it saves you a ton of money over the course of a year. Still not sold? They offer a free trial -- just pay the shipping. $35.00 at Harrys.com

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Tile Sport

Bluetooth Tracker

This tiny gadget will attach to your keychain and you won’t even realize it’s there until you desperately need it. This extremely rugged, waterproof device is a Bluetooth tracker that can be used to find your smartphone, smartwatch, tablet, and other gadgets you might misplace from time to time. All you need to do is add the item to the app via Bluetooth. If you misplace it, the app will even let you ring your phone. If you still can’t find it, it will show up on a map at its last known location. You don’t have to worry about charging the Tile Sport either. It is designed to run for a full year without any upkeep or charging whatsoever.

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Amazon Fire TV Stick

Streaming Device

While Amazon has been killing it in the audio industry lately with their Echo smart speakers they are also expanding their TV product offerings. The Fire TV Stick comes with access to digital content libraries and streaming services -- including Amazon, Hulu, Netflix, HBO, Watch ESPN, Sling, and Showtime -- with built-in Alexa voice functionality for hands-free navigation and control. The price point on the Fire TV Stick is another attractive feature, which makes it ideal for those who want to try streaming without making a big investment.

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Quip Electric Toothbrush

Electric Toothbrush

We could all use a little help in the teeth-brushing department. While you know the importance of brushing two or three times per day for optimal oral hygiene, are you aware that you need to replace your toothbrush every few months? As the bristles are used over and over again, they become worn down and jagged, which can cause damage to your gums and tooth enamel. With Quip, not only do you get a highly effective electric toothbrush, but you can also sign up for automatic three-month refill plans that are perfectly tailored to your needs.

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Expense Meter: Budget-Friendly

While it often feels like the hottest gear comes with a large price tag, there are a lot of great gadgets on the market for under $100. From grooming products to EDC accessories, below you'll find our top gear items in the $50 to $99 price range.

Phillips Norelco Beard Trimmer

Beard Trimmer

Sometimes you don’t have time to go through the motions of a clean shave -- or you simply want to trim up your facial hair before an important meeting or first date. In these situations, you need a reliable, versatile beard trimmer. There are plenty of choices available, but the Philips Norelco Series 7200 has everything you need and more. With 20 built-in length settings and an integrated vacuum system, you can clean up your facial hair without making a mess. It can also run up to 80 minutes between charges.$59.99 at Amazon.com

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FiveFour Club Clothing Subscription

Clothing Subscription

Let’s face it, shopping for new clothes can be stressful and frustrating. From the large mall crowds to the traffic, the whole experience can make you want to continue wearing the same stone-washed jeans you’ve been wearing since the late 90s. FiveFour Club is the shopping alternative you’ve been looking for. All you need to do is take a simple quiz explaining your style, fit preferences, and size and they’ll do the rest. FiveFour Club matches your answers with styles that reflect your desires as well as the current season. For $60 per month, you’ll get a curated package with FiveFour products (usually two per month). If they don’t have the right size, send it back. You can cancel or pause your subscription at any time.

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Google Chromecast Ultra

Streaming Device

With the rise of cord-cutting and popularity of video streaming services, we’ve seen an influx of streaming devices hit the market over the past 18 months. One of the best is the Google Chromecast Ultra. With this device, you get access to a world of instant entertainment -- including Netflix, Spotify, YouTube, and Pandora -- with support for 4K Ultra HD TVs. It also lets you mirror your Android phone or laptop to your TV, which can come in handy for business presentations. Another neat feature is the voice-activation function, which lets you control content with just your voice.

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Huckberry Compact EDC Kit

EDC Kit

Do you often find yourself walking through your house only to realize that one of the kitchen cabinet knobs is loose? You go to the garage to grab a screwdriver, complete your task, and return the screwdriver to your toolbox. Minutes later, you realize your beer bottle isn’t a screw off top and you go in search of a bottle opener. All of this back and forth searching for tools seems like a real pain, right? What if there was a better way? With the Compact EDC Kit there is.

The Compact EDC brings all of the most important tools in your life together in one, simple gadget. When it’s completely closed, the Keysmart chassis looks like a simple keychain. Inside, however, this is the tool equivalent of the Swiss Army Knife and it still has room for three keys. The EDC Kit is completely customizable with a wide range of tools, including a griffin pocket tool, a screwdriver, a scoring tool, a bottle opener, and a knife.

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Amazon Fire Tablet HD 8

Tablet

It’s crazy that for less than $100 you can pick up as powerful of a tablet as the new Amazon Fire HD 8. Read books, watch movies and surf the web with its beautiful 8-inch screen for up to 12 hours on a single charge. If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you’ll automatically get access to thousands of books, countless songs and hundreds of movies and TV episodes for free. Choose from 16 to 32 gigabytes of internal storage; if that’s not enough, you can expand up to 256 gigabytes via a microSD card. Amazon’s digital assistant Alexa ships with the Fire HD 8 allowing you to do everything from ordering products to controlling your smart home gadgets using the power of your voice.$79.99 at Amazon.com

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Under Armour Subscription

Athleticwear Subscription

For guys who hate the mall, Under Armour’s new subscription box might just be your new best friend. Fill out a short survey that asks you about your fitness goals (like “improve my game” or “start getting active”), workout location preference (like at home versus at the gym), physical activities (like football, surfing or yoga) and personal style (are you “clean and classic” or “ahead of the game?”). Then, they’ll send you a box of four-six handpicked branded items. Similar to other subscription boxes, you only pay for what you keep, with free return shipping. Keep the whole box and they’ll hook you up with 20 percent off.

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1more Triple Driver Earbud

Earbuds

1MORE partnered with Grammy-award-winning producer Luca Bignardi when engineering their triple driver in-ear headphones. The result? One of the best high-resolution earbuds on the market. The dynamic driver delivers clear midrange tones and deep bass while the two armatures produce detailed highs. The buds feature a 3-button remote to control music and take calls quickly. These earbuds come with nine sets of ear tips for the perfect fit, and a fancy carrying case to keep them safe. If you’re a frequent flyer, you’ll appreciate the included two-prong airline adapter to watch movies with crystal clear audio instead of using the airline-standard, terrible-but-free headphones.

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Click & Grow Smart Garden 3

Indoor Fresh Herb Growing Kit

Whether you’re having meat and potatoes, or a homemade soup, there’s nothing like a little basil or rosemary to kick your dish’s flavor up a notch. The only issue is remembering to pick up fresh herbs on your weekly meal-prep grocery store run. With this indoor at-home kit, you can save money and time and grow your herbs right at home year-round. While in the past home gardens featured complicated messy pumps and expensive parts, this garden uses an energy efficient LED light to make it fast and simple to grow everything from parsley to strawberries right on your kitchen counter.

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JBL Flip 4 Waterproof Speaker

Bluetooth speaker

When the winter blues call you to the Caribbean don’t forget to pack along this super-cool waterproof speaker. While waterproof speakers often showcase a downgrade in sound quality, this one holds up with an impressive stereo system and a wide array of features. Featuring wireless Bluetooth connectivity, up to 12 hours of battery life, Ipx7 waterproof rating, and Google Now and Siri voice activation, this speaker can seamlessly go from the poolside to the living room without a charge. In addition, the JBL Flip 4 can be connected to other JBL devices to let the music flow throughout your home.

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Huckberry Navy SEAL Aluminum Wallet

Wallet

Ridge Wallet's slim aluminum wallet is made to be carried in your front pocket to promote proper hip alignment and decrease back pain caused by sitting on your wallet. Made of durable aluminum alloy this wallet can expand to hold up to 12 cards plus cash. This wallet also blocks RFID-skimming devices to keep your data safe. Huckberry partnered with Ridge Wallet to offer this exclusive edition benefiting the Navy SEAL Foundation, masked in the official Pantone Navy Blue color. For every wallet sold, they donate 10% of the proceeds to the foundation.$72.00 at Huckberry.com

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SodaStream Sparkling Water Machine

Sparkling Water Machine

If you prefer your water con gas, then you’ll want to add a SodaStream to your kitchen. This personal sparkling water maker allows you to create your own fizzy concoctions right in the comforts of home. Simply fill the bottle with tap water, press a button and voila! Instant bubbly water. If you’re not a fan of plain sparkling water, SodaStream offers a wide range of drink and soda mixes, from mango to cream soda. In addition, your purchase will help the planet. $1 billion of aluminum cans are thrown away every year. With SodaStream you can ditch the cans and sip away happily with your reusable soda machine. Take that La Croix.

Expense Meter: Moderate

FitBit Alta Bracelet

Fitness Tracker

Is this the year you’re finally going to run that marathon? Or, hey at least download Couch to 5K? Get motivated to pound the pavement with this slim activity tracker that tracks, distance, steps, calories, active minutes, hourly activity and more. It can also double as your alarm clock, vibrating you to get up with the sun, or half-way through the workday when you haven’t stretched your legs in hours. As a perk for those who can’t remember to charge all their devices (we feel ya), this bad boy lasts up to five days and syncs wirelessly with your computer, phone, and tablet.

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Ember Temperature Control Mug

Coffee Mug

Kiss cold coffee goodbye. The Ember mug keeps your hot beverage at a perfect temperature until the last sip. Set the temp with the dial at the bottom of the mug or through the companion app. Prefer your coffee scalding hot but your Matcha latte at a more drinkable temperature? With the app, you can also create presets for different beverages. Still sipping away on your latte after two hours? No sweat, the ember mug comes with a charging coaster so you can keep your drink at the right temp all day.

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Automatic Connected Car Adaptor

Car Adaptor

This is the perfect item for any automotive fan. Using 3G connectivity, this car adaptor simply plugs in underneath your dashboard and then all of your driving-related data is sent to you via 3G connection. You can even track all of your car’s information via an app on your smartphone. Don’t get it yet? This means that you’ll never have to take your car into a garage and hope the mechanics find out what’s wrong with it. Simply turn on the app and find out exactly what’s wrong with your car.

Did you park your car in a giant parking garage and now you can’t seem to find it? The app uses vehicle tracking to find exactly where your car is. On top of that, it will even alert emergency services if you have a car accident.

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Nike Metcon 3 Cross Training Sneaker

Sneakers

To finally reach a heavier lift set, increase your reps or shave time off your miles, you need a sneaker that’ll move with you. This rubber-soled, mesh standby from Nike is a no-brainer, since it provides cushion, stability, and durability for any level of athlete. This sneaker was designed for a variety of activities, so you don’t need to purchase a specific running shoe for cycling, jogging, and weightlifting. Best of all, it’s lightweight, so you no longer have an excuse to not pack your gym bag before heading into the office.

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Philips Wake-Up Light

Alarm Clock

For the guy who needs at least three alarms to make it to that 8 a.m. weekly budget meeting, perhaps a new approach to sleeping-and-waking is in order. This novel alarm clock does as its name suggests: gets you out of bed via light and subtle, effective sounds, instead of a blaring ring. The clock simulates the colors of a peaceful sunrise with natural lights and five calming sounds. Bonus: for small spaces, it can also double as a reading lamp.

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Fitbit Aria Digital Scale

Fitness Tracking Scale

Gone are the days of ancient, unreliable scales that show different weights every time you step on them. This is the age of the smart scale and Fitbit’s Aria Wi-Fi Smart Scale does a whole lot more than just display your weight. This scale has built-in Bluetooth to record your weight, body fat, lean mass, and BMI and send it straight to your smartphone. The best part is that the whole family (up to eight people) can use this app and the scale’s app will keep everyone’s individual progress private. The scale recognizes each user and sends his or her stats directly to their Fitbit account. The easy setup only takes a few minutes so even the least tech savvy guy will have no problem using it. With a super sleek design and FDA medical approval, the scales are all tipped in the Fitbit Aria’s favor.

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Foreo Luna 2 Face Brush

Men's Face Brush

As a guy, it can feel like all of the skincare products on the market are designed for women. And while women certainly have more options to choose from, the LUNA 2 for MEN is all you need to keep your face in tip-top shape. This enhanced T-Sonic, 3-in-1 facial scrub brush is designed to energize and refresh your skin prior to shaving. It cleanses the skin by washing away dirt and dead skin cells to provide a smooth, comfortable shave that makes you feel better and look younger. The small size makes it ideal for carrying in a dopp kit when traveling.

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TRX Duo Suspension Trainer

Suspension Trainer

Leading an active, healthy lifestyle continues to become a larger priority in today’s world -- fortunately. But, what happens when your busy schedule doesn’t allow you the time to go to the gym every day? Between work, family, and other commitments, sometimes the best option is a few extra minutes at home. Instead of jazzercising in your basement to a VHS tape from 1992, try the TRX Dup Suspension Trainer.

Made in partnership with MobilityWOD’s Kelly Starrett DPT, this system is made up of two ergonomically-correct Infinity Anchors, mobile grips, and a mesh carrying bag. It’s designed to build muscle while burning fat and increasing endurance and flexibility. It’s extremely easy to set up and can be anchored to any door, sturdy tree branch rafter or beam. It also comes with a free, one-year subscription to the TRX app that includes over 80 unique workouts and feedback from TRX trainers.

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Lululemon Grind Down Pant

Workout Pant

Lululemon pants aren’t just for the ladies. You’ll feel fly on leg day when you wear this classic athletic wear wardrobe staple to the gym. These pants are designed to sit at the right position on your waist and stand up against resistance when your training sessions go from smooth to intense. The Grind Down pant also features a specific type of nylon yarn with four-way stretch and sweat-wicking properties, making them ideal for high impact workouts.

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Amazon Echo Plus Smart Speaker

Echo Smart Speaker

Hands-free smart speakers are all the rage currently. One of the best is the Amazon Echo Plus smart speaker. On top of playing your favorite music and answering unnecessary trivia questions, the Alexa voice service also has a built-in smart home hub. You can request your pump up playlist, ask about the weather, call an Uber, check the daily football stats and get instructions on how to make a classic Martini all while getting ready to head out the door. The Amazon Echo Plus can even turn your lights on and off when you connect it to compatible wall switches. On top of all of that, the sound quality is amazing with Dolby processing designed to give you the highest-quality musical experience, while also providing 360° audio. This product received an excellent rating from PCMag's Sascha Segan and was noted to have improved voice recognition capabilities over the original Echo.

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Expense Meter: Investment

When spending over $200 on any product you want to be sure it is a piece that will last you well and provide function and efficiency. From e-readers to hiking boots, we selected the items that are worth your dollar for the gear roundup of $200 to $299.

Arlo Pro By NETGEAR Smart Home Security Camera

Smart Security Camera

If your New Year’s resolution is to exercise your wanderlust muscle more often, you’ll need a security system that erases any worries you have about leaving your homestead. This wire-free device is not only waterproof, but features a rechargeable battery so you can have your trusted neighbor replace it if you decide you definitely need another week sampling your way through Southeast Asia. Notice something awry? A two-way audio allows you to scare away an intruder, no matter how far away you are. As PCMag noted in their review, the Arlo can also be connected to your IFTTT to function with your other smart home devices.

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Huckberry x Peak Design Everyday Backpack

Backpack

Peak Designs teamed up with Huckberry to create this exclusive 20L backpack. This backpack is a photographer’s dream come true but it is also a great option for anyone who requires adaptability. Do you need to fit a laptop, a camera, and a few bottles of water in your bag? This backpack’s FlexFold dividers are designed to create numerous configuration options to keep all your prized possessions organized and protected. This leather bag also comes with a MagLatch closure system that uses magnets to easily secure your bag and ensure that your belongings stay in place. The padded shoulder straps guarantee maximum comfort while you're toting your backpack from a morning hike to the computer lab and everywhere in between.

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Garmin Drive Assist 50LMT Navigator System

Navigator System

Trying to fumble with your phone’s GPS system while driving is dangerous and frustrating. But if your vehicle doesn’t have an integrated navigation system, checking your phone seems to be the best option -- or is it? With the Garmin Drive Assist 50LMT, you can instantly improve your vehicle’s driving experience. This navigation system features a 5-inch screen with built-in dash cam that continuously records video and allows for forward collision and lane departure warnings. It even comes with lifetime of map updates, which means you’ll never be left with outdated software. This product was named as PCMag's Editor's Choice and was praised in their review for its Bluetooth hands-free calling feature and driver fatigue alerts.

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Kindle Oasis E-Reader

E-Reader

Whether you have a lengthy commute or you're flying cross-country there's nothing like a good read to unwind and make the time fly. However, carrying around multiple bulky books is no treat, especially when you're traveling or backpacking and trying to keep your luggage weight to a minimum. Enter the e-reader. While you may miss the flip of the page and the smell of a paper book, the fact that you can store all your favorite books on one light device will make up for that nostalgia. The Kindle Oasis has the highest resolution display to date, at 7” and 300 ppi, and will simulate reading off of real paper, sans glare -- even when you’re in the direct sun. This e-reader was named the Editor's Choice by PCMag's Sascha Segan and was recognized for its long battery life and sleek lightweight design.

If you happen to take it for a swim on a bachelor party in Miami? No worries, it's waterproof.

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Huckberry Chippewa Service Boot

Boot

No outfit is complete without the proper shoes. Huckberry’s Chippewa service boot's classic look will complement any ensemble, while also keeping your feet warm and cozy. This special edition boot is made with full-grain American hide roughout leather to create an effortless look that will never go out of style. Say goodbye to walking around in clunky, uncomfortable boots because these require no breaking in whatsoever. The resolable boot is made using Goodyear welt construction that is designed to withstand years of rugged use.

On top of looks and style, one of the most important elements in a good boot is comfort. A contoured footbed and padded ankle collar are designed to make you feel just as comfortable putting these on in the morning as you do taking them off at night.

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Raden Smart Suitcase A22

Smart Suitcase

Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure you need a suitcase that can keep up with your busy agenda. This Raden suitcase is engineered to provide a secure space for your belongings while remaining lightweight and tech-friendly. The Makrolon® Polycarbonate exterior is built to withstand any tossing or turbulence that might come its way. The Raden is designed with the traveler in mind, with a waterproof seal, a TSA approved size and lock, four double spinning wheels with 360-degree capabilities, and a compact interior to allow space for your belongings. To top it all off, this suitcase has a built-in charger and a digital scale that will display your luggage’s weight on your phone.

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Nintendo Switch

Video Game Controller

Nintendo has been at the forefront of the video game craze since the 80’s. Its newest console might be its most ambitious and exciting yet. Say you’re in the middle of your favorite game, but you have to catch the bus or subway to work? Well, instead of saving your game and waiting until you get home, the Switch lets you take your game with you (hence the name Switch). When you’re at home, the unit sits on the Nintendo Switch dock and connects the system to your TV. But, if you remove the Switch from the dock, it transforms into a handheld unit for gaming anywhere. This is perfect for the gamer who doesn’t have time to sit in a dark basement all day, but still wants to beat the last level of his or her favorite game.

Play everything from Golf Story to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe -- both listed as top Switch games by IGN -- at home or on your commute.$299.00 at Amazon.com

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Expense Meter: Splurge

It can often feel daunting to spend over $300 on a single item. After all, you wouldn't want to invest your hard earned money in a piece of gear that breaks down within a year. Below you will find our compilation of $300 + gear items that are sure to live up to their price tag.

Bose Quiet Comfort 35 Headphones II

Noise-Canceling Headphones

In the market for noise canceling wireless Bluetooth headphones? Trust us; there’s nothing better than the Bose QuietComfort 35 wireless headphones II. They have the most powerful noise canceling technology on the market. These headphones can reduce the roar of the airplane to a quiet hum and block out most ambient noise (like co-workers talking, coffeeshop noise or your neighbor’s loud music), creating a personal, portable quiet zone. With a sleek stylish design and plush ear cushions, these headphones look as great as they feel. These will last all day without a charge thanks to an impressive 20 hours of battery life in wireless mode. In addition, these headphones offer seamless connection to Google assistant. You can receive texts, play music and answer calls all while your phone is across the room.

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Sony Playstation VR

VR Headset

If you’ve been waiting to give VR a try, now may be the time. Not only has the technology improved tremendously over the past year, but the library of games is quickly growing. For PS4 owners, the PlayStation VR headset and camera bundle is the perfect way to get started. Just plug it into your PS4 and you’re ready to go. Some of the games with VR functionality include Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, Gran Turismo Sport, and Skyrim VR. As IGN noted in their review, this headset is very comfortable to wear, so you can play for hours without discomfort.

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Boosted Electric Skateboard

Skateboard

You remember the glory days of zooming around the streets on a skateboard, right? You probably think you’re too old to get back out there and hit the streets again. Well, you’re wrong. Because, with the Boosted Electric Skateboard, you don’t even need to know how to ride a skateboard to get out and feel the wind rushing through your hair as you fly around your neighborhood. There are multiple riding modes from novice to expert (from 11 miles per hour to a maximum of 22). And, stopping is a breeze thanks to Boosted’s brake system that allows you to come to a complete stop at any time.

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Apple Smartwatch Series 3

Smartwatch

With the new Series 3 Apple Watch, you can leave your phone at home and access your favorite smartphone features straight from your wrist. This is the first Apple Watch with cellular, enabling you to take calls, activate Siri and stream music untethered from your iPhone. Apart from the red dot on the watch crown, this model has the same sleek style of previous editions. Heading out for a run? The Series 3 can track your stats, map your route via GPS and stream music to your Earpods. The Apple Smartwatch Series 3 is available in the base aluminum model, a Nike+ model, a luxury Hermes model and a durable ceramic Edition model.

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DJI Spark Drone

Drone

If you want a drone but don’t know where to start, the DJI Spark is the perfect device to test your flying skills. It features pre-set flight modes to get you off the ground quickly and even recognizes gestures to take photos without using the controller. This drone is built to minimize shaking and jostling, giving you smooth video and clear photos through its f/2.6 wide-angle lens. Record video at 1080p and still photos at 12 megapixels. On a full battery, it can fly for up to 16 minutes.$699.00 at Amazon.com

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Hero6 GoPro

GoPro

The GoPro Hero 6 is the newest addition to the popular adventure cams collection. This model features some slick improvements over the previous GoPro Hero5 Black. The new processor allows for 4K video at 60 frames per second, and an incredible 240 frames per second in 1080p for silky slo-mo. The latest GoPro also showcases improvement for shooting in low light and is waterproof for up to 33 feet. The Hero6 is responsive to voice commands for quick recording and features a 12-megapixel camera for still shots. Built-in Wi-Fi transfer makes getting your videos and pictures onto your phone (and then onto Instagram) a snap.

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Galaxy S8+ Smartphone

Samsung Smartphone

There’s been a lot of fanfare for the other big cell phones on the market, but loyalists to the Android platform and Galaxy phones, in general, will love the Galaxy S8+ because of the giant, immersive screen, and every bell and whistle it brings to the user. It all starts with the Infinity Display. Somehow the screen size was expanded since the 7, yet the phone didn’t get bulkier and remains perfectly suited to fit in the palm of your hand. The larger screen (18.5:9 display ratio) means a bigger picture for streaming your favorite movies and TV shows. Other bonuses include texting while you watch a video or browse the internet, and a simple navigation system for utilizing all your favorite apps, photos, and videos.

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HP Spectre 360 Laptop

Laptop

Whether you’re a busy professional who has to be constantly plugged into email or a student who needs a device that allows for optimal creativity, the HP Spectre 360 is the laptop for you. At 2.89 lbs. and 13.9 mm thin, this laptop is small, lightweight, and extremely portable. It also features 360-degree hinges and touchscreen interactivity that allows the device to instantly transform from a personal computer to tablet in one slick move. The 4K display makes it perfect for watching movies, editing images, and surfing the web. To top it all off, the HP Spectre 360 has an impressive 16-hour battery life and fast charge system that means you’ll never have to worry about cumbersome cords.

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TV LG Electronics OLED55C7P

TV

Are you finally ready to give 4K TV a try? Not only have the prices finally coming down, but the technology has actually improved a fair bit in a matter of months. Today’s gold standard in 4K TV is OLED, which doesn’t require any backlight (making the TV thinner and providing a truer picture quality). The LG Electronics OLED55C7P is one of the best-selling, highest-rated 4K TVs on the market. In addition to offering rich, intense color, it also comes fully integrated with Dolby Atmos speakers for rich, theater-like sound.

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Iphone X

Smartphone

The long-awaited iPhone X has taken the world by storm. Be prepared to fall in love with the edge-to-edge screen, Face ID, recognition, a beautiful OLED screen and Animojis (animated emojis) -- provided that the $1,000 price tag doesn’t shock you. Apple upgraded the dual 12-megapixel cameras on the back with a new sensor, and the telephoto lens now has an f/2.4 aperture with optical stabilization. Plus, the image signal processor gives your photos better detail, texture, and color. Portrait mode has also been updated to perform better in low light and is also available on the front-facing 7-megapixel camera. If you weren't an iPhone fan already, this model may make you a convert. PCMag's Sascha Segan gave this phone an excellent review noting that the speaker-phone volume quality has improved and the first-of-its kind Animojis make for a fun experience.

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Nikon D500 Camera

Professional-Grade Digital Camera

The Nikon D500 is a beast of a camera that captures stunning pictures. This model packs a punch with 20.9 megapixels and an APS-C CMOS sensor (translation: you can take super fast, big pictures). The Nikon D500 has a whopping 153-point autofocus system making this an excellent option for sport and adventure photographers and can record video up to 4K ultra-high-definition video. The D500 is wrapped in a rugged carbon fiber and magnesium alloy build that’s dust and water drop resistant. Whether you’re at the Dead Sea or exploring the heights of Machu Picchu you can snap away in confidence.